GOP incumbent Ron Simmons is the better choice over Democratic Alex Mendoza for Texas House District 65.

Although we differ on many policy points with Simmons, an investment adviser who was first elected to the Legislature in 2012, we admire his willingness to tackle some of the state's thorniest problems.

Last session, as chairman of the House's transportation subcommittee on long-term planning, he emerged as a persistent and persuasive voice for improving transportation policy. He aggressively pressed for the Texas Department of Transportation to better prioritize its state-funded projects and marshaled support for constitutional amendments that will add billions from general sales tax and motor vehicle sales tax revenues to finance TXDOT projects. Simmons, 56, vows to continue to monitor implementation this session, as well as consider new revenue bonds to reduce reliance on tolled roads to alleviate congestion.

Here's who we recommend in the 2016 General Election

He also favors increasing school choice, especially for special-needs students. While the overall budget might be tight next session, Simmons said his party should look to provide additional dollars in this area.

We find less common ground with him in other areas, such as his desire to make municipal and school district elections partisan, and his reluctance to provide general funding increases for education and Child Protective Services.

Mendoza ran for this seat as a Democrat in 2014 and as a Green Party candidate in 2012, the same year he was a write-in candidate for vice president on the Socialist Party ticket. He did not attend an editorial board candidate interview or provide answers in our Voter Guide. He is not a serious contender for this office.

Are you ready to vote?

This is one in a series of Dallas Morning News recommendations for the Nov. 8 general election.